John 11 - Introduction

11 and 12

Everything is henceforth ripe for the catastrophe; the development begun in chap. 5 reaches its utmost limit. Yet one more good work, and the condemnation of Jesus will be finally pronounced. Chap. 11 places us in the presence of this denouement.

Of the sojourn in Peraea the Synoptics relate to us some particular incidents which John omits: the conversation with the Pharisees respecting divorce, the presentation of the little children, the scene of the rich young man, the ambitious request of James and John. The fourth evangelist mentions only the fact which brings this sojourn to a close the visit to Bethany.

It is evident that the point of view of the development of Jewish unbelief governed this selection; comp. the story of the session of the Sanhedrim, as the consequence of the miracle (John 11:47-53), the relation established between this miracle and the entrance into Jerusalem on Palm-day (John 12:17-18), and, finally, the relation between the latter and the final catastrophe (John 12:19).

The entire cycle is divided into three sections:

1. Chap. 11: The resurrection of Lazarus, with its immediate result, the sentence of condemnation pronounced upon Jesus;

2. Chap. John 12:1-36: Three events which form the transition from the active ministry of Jesus to His passion;

3. Chap. John 12:37-50: A retrospective glance cast by the evangelist at the great fact of Jewish unbelief which has been described since chap. 5.